Fri Nov 15 09:59:09 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Bowling Legend Tim Southee Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

**Hamilton, New Zealand:** New Zealand’s all-format star Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test cricket, with his upcoming home series against England serving as his final assignment unless the team qualifies for the 2024 ICC World Test Championship final.

The 35-year-old pacer will bid farewell to the longest format of the game at his home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton, during the third Test of the series from December 14-18.

Southee is the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand across all formats, having taken 770 wickets in his career. He is second only to the legendary Richard Hadlee in Test wickets for New Zealand with 385 scalps in 104 appearances.

Southee will make a decision on his future in white-ball cricket before New Zealand hosts Sri Lanka at the end of December. He holds the unique distinction of being the only pacer to have played 100 matches in each of the three formats, and the only bowler to have taken 300 Test, 200 ODI, and 100 T20I wickets.

“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” said Southee. “To play for the BLACKCAPS for 18 years has been the greatest honour and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me.”

“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the black cap,” he added.

Southee relinquished his Test captaincy last month before New Zealand secured a 3-0 series win over India at home under Tom Latham. He has featured in four ODI World Cups, seven T20I World Cups, and two Champions Trophy events. He was instrumental in New Zealand’s World Test Championship final victory over India in 2021, picking up five wickets in the summit clash.

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